John Jay student Samson Hung is only 19, but he has already earned a national career achievement award — for his work in the Police Explorers program in Suffolk County.
Hung, a sophomore, Police Studies major and a squad sergeant with the First Precinct Explorer program, was honored by the Suffolk County Police at the Police Academy in Brentwood. He is the only second Explorer in the organization’s history to receive the prestigious award. “Getting this award was very challenging, and it’s nice to be recognized for the years of work that I’ve put in,” said Hung.
The Explorers Program provides 14- to 20-year-olds with professional skills and techniques to help them succeed in life and as a police officer. Hung says he saw the Explorers as a great opportunity to get a head start on his hoped-for law enforcement career.
“I started right when I turned 14,” said Hung, a resident of Wheatley Heights, “and over the years, I’ve enjoyed learning about law enforcement and being able to give back to my community.” The program, he said, helped shape his decision to attend John Jay. “I wanted to be a part of the John Jay community not only because of the College’s preeminent reputation worldwide for criminal justice, but also because I wanted to learn from distinguished professors and meet other students who have a similar goal.”
Officer Margery Marotta, the program adviser, praised Hung, noting that since he joined the Explorers program he has “worked incredibly hard to achieve his dream, even taking additional language classes on the side to learn Mandarin in the hopes of someday serving the Chinese-American community. I can’t see anyone doing better than him.”
To receive the career achievement award, Hung had to complete more than 500 hours of training and service and earn several proficiency awards including a community service award for 100 hours of service and the 2014 Explorer of the Year honor.
“I feel proud and honored because all the challenges I've faced were overcome by hard work and perseverance,” he said. “I am grateful to my mentors, friends, family and the Police Department for their love and support throughout my journey.”
